PCSOs get spray cans to cover graffiti

Police have been issued with spray cans of paint to cover small patches of graffiti on telecommunications boxes while on the beat.

The cans of paint have been supplied by BT and NTL for their street furniture containing telecommunications equipment in the borough.

The boxes are a major target for graffiti taggers. By giving PCSOs on the beat, as well as Wokingham Borough Council officers, the means to cover the graffiti, police and the council say it can be removed quicker.

Graffiti problems continue across the borough and police have been working to match tags to known culprits in the area.

Inspector PJ Binns, of Wokingham police, said a man had been issued with an £80 on the spot fine after being caught daubing graffiti on the bridge in Loddon Bridge Road near the George pub in Earley.

She said he was caught after a tip-off from a member of the public.

Chief Inspector Denise Blackburn, commander of Wokingham police, said: “There are people who really think they are the next Banksy, however they are not.”

Another target for graffiti in the last few weeks has been a mural in Arborfield that was produced by local children working with an artist.

An abusive message was daubed on the painting, however it has since been fixed and police are working to catch the culprits.